Finish your Christmas shopping and drop your kids off for 5 hours of babysitting right before the holidays. Kids can make crafts, watch holiday movies, play games, decorate Christmas cookies, go sledding on the hill, etc.

Children will be required to bring their own lunch and drinks (extra snacks will be provided). Children that wish to go sledding will also need to bring their own sleds with them.

HANDPRINT

WHO: Anyone 3 and older

WHEN: Saturday, December 15

TIME: 10:30am-11:30am

WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall

FEE: $14.00/participant (Minimum for class=3; Max for class=6)

Capture a handprint that will last forever in a 3-Dimensional plaster mold. Plaster will need to dry overnight. Children will take the mold home for the night, along with supplies, and decorate at home.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

WHO: Children ages 6 and up

WHEN: Saturday, December 15

TIME: 3:30pm - 5:00pm

WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall

FEE: $12.00/child (Min. # of kids=6; Max # of kids=15)

No baking necessary! Real gingerbread pieces will be all ready to assemble and decorate without the mess of baking. Kids will be have icing, assorted candies, decorating bags and tips and a cardboard base to decorate with. We will be watching Christmas movies while assembling and decorating our houses.

DECORATE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS PLATE

WHO: 3 year olds and up

WHEN: Saturday, December 22

TIME: 4:00-4:30pm

WHERE: Van Buren Park Lodge (Connors Road)

FEE: $10.00/child (Min. # of kids=6; Max # of kids=15)

Do your kids leave cookies for Santa? Kids can decorate their own holiday plate, for Santa this year - they are fun to do and will be a real keepsake. Or give as a special gift for that special person on your holiday list. After decorating the plate, kids will finish by decorating some of their own cookies to take home.

MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS/DECORATIONS

WHO: Children ages 5 and up (younger children may sign up but only if accompanied by an adult!)

Safe Sitter® teaches young teens everything they need to know to be safe when they're home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. Participants will learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who's choking, basic first aid, how to handle situations that may occur, how to prevent injuries, how to seek help when serious issues arise and helpful information like what to do if there is severe weather.

Students will need to remain on site for the entire time so each participant will need to bring the following items to class: a lunch, drink, snack, notebook and a pen/pencil.

Pee Wee Wrestling has returned to the Town of Van Buren with coaches Dan Allen, Matt McGivney and Jim Schanzenbach. This program will be held in a safe and fun environment where wrestlers will learn the basic fundamentals of the sport. With this they will learn respect for self and others, as well as discipline and self confidence.

Beginner: This class will cover basic obedience training, so handlers can have fun with their dogs! Includes: heeling, stand, come, sit-stay and down-stay.

NOTE: Those registered need to bring proof of Rabies, DHL and Parvo inoculations to first class. You will also need to bring a six-foot lead and training collar to class (beginners) and a 10 foot lead to the advanced class. Please bring treats for reinforcements.

Training collar and 6' leash are required. No flexi leads or choke collars allowed. All dogs must have current vaccines. Handlers should bring soft chewy treats.

Evaluations to ensure dogs have basic obedience skills, which are needed for the class, will be done the first night of class.

NOTE: Those registered need to bring proof of Rabies, DHL and Parvo inoculations to first class.

Jr Scientist Class I

JR SCIENTIST CLASS

WHO: Children 8-12 years old

WHEN: Mondays, February 4-February 25

TIME: 5:45-7:00PM

WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors Road)

FEE: $50.00/child (Min # of kids = 3, Max # of kids = 6)

If you're looking for some fun science experiments for kids then you've come to the right place. Learn interesting science facts by experimenting with different materials that react in surprising ways. You'll find a lot of experiments can be done using simple ingredients found around your house (with adult supervision of course). Basic materials can help you perform experiments that are simple, safe and perfect for kids.

Some of the experiments that we will be doing will include dancing raisins, elephant toothpaste, lumpy liquids/squishy solids and more!

** Kids will need to bring their own pair of goggles to the class!

Jr Scientist Class II

JR SCIENTIST CLASS II

WHO: Children 8-12 years old

WHEN: Tuesdays, March 5-March 26

TIME: 5:45-7:00PM

WHERE: Van Buren Lodge (off of Connors Road)

FEE: $50.00/child (Min # of kids = 3, Max # of kids = 6)

If you're looking for some fun science experiments for kids then you've come to the right place. Learn interesting science facts by experimenting with different materials that react in surprising ways. You'll find a lot of experiments can be done using simple ingredients found around your house (with adult supervision of course). Basic materials can help you perform experiments that are simple, safe and perfect for kids.

Must have taken the first class in order to take this follow up class.

The Amazing Race will be an all day event where teams will be asked to solve clues, perform challenges and tour the Baldwinsville area as you compete for prizes.

Looking for four person teams. Team members must be over the age of 12 to compete as individual teams. Adult teams may have a participant as young as 8 to help compete.

Each team is responsible for its own transportation. Special prize packages will be awarded to the top 3 teams overall.

**One person from each team must have a cell phone capable of sending pictures back to the park. At one stop we will need to receive the picture in order to give you the next clue!**

This will be a first come, first serve event. We will be accepting a maximum of 15 teams for the event, so when the information is ready please don’t wait to register!

For more information, please contact the Parks and Rec Dept. at 315-638-4727.

In order to register, please download the registration forms from our website and mail in the team information and payment.

Boater Safety Courses 2019

U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

BOATER SAFETY COURSES - 1 DAY CLASSES

WHO: Ages 10 and up

WHAT: A course in boater safety

WHEN:

Session I: Sunday, March 4

Session II: Sunday, March 24

Session III: Sunday, April 14

Session IV: Saturday, May 4

Session V: Saturday, May 25

Session VI: Saturday, June 15

Session VII: Saturday, July 6

TIME: 9:00am. - 5:30pm

WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall

FEE: $35.00 per participant (covers materials and certificates)

(Min. for class = 20; Max. for class= 30)

The Boating Safety Course is a comprehensive, one day, training class focusing on the importance of safety on the water. It presents an opportunity to learn from U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary certified instructors. The course is specifically designed for New York State Boaters and tailored to local boating waters for the safe operation of boats and personal watercraft.

This course satisfies the boater education requirements for ALL STATES.

Instructors that have extensive knowledge and experience with local boating, are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, New York State Parks, and the National Safe Boating Council will provide professional instruction and answer your boating questions.

The number of students in each class is limited. Advance registration is required.

Participants must pass the exam to receive their certification.

Mother's Day Project

MOTHER’S DAY PROJECT I: FLOWER POT

WHO: Children 11 and under (parents with children under the age of 5 must remain on site with their children)

WHEN: Saturday, May 11

TIME: 9:15-10:00a.m.

WHERE: Van Buren Park Lodge (Connors Road)

FEE: $12.00/participant (minimum #3; max #6)

Children will get a chance to personalize a large clay pot using ceramic paints and fill it with flowers. This personalized pot will be transformed into a flower pot for their mothers or grandmothers for Mother’s Day.

MOTHER’S DAY PROJECT II: PERSONALIZED PLATE

WHO: Children 11 and under (parents with children under
the age of 5 must remain on site with their children)

WHEN: Saturday, May 11

TIME: 10:00am-10:30AM

WHERE: Van Buren Town Hall

FEE: $10.00/participant (minimum #3; max #6)

Children will get a chance to personalize a ceramic plate w/easel. Decorate this unglazed bisque fired plate with paint! Includes a 4” plastic easel plate stand. Plates are 6” diameter. This is meant for decorative use only

Fishing Derby

FISHING DERBY

WHO: Children, Teens and "tweens”, ages 4 to 15. Those ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent.

WHAT: A fishing derby!

WHEN: Saturday, April 27

TIME: 8:00 - 11:00am

WHERE: Van Buren Park Pond, enter from Connors Rd.

FEE: FREE!

Come see what fish can be caught at Van Buren Pond! Prizes will be given for "longest fish" in two different age categories Bring your own reels, bait, tackle, buckets, etc. Rain or shine!

TO REGISTER: Please contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 315-638-4727, weekdays from 8:30am.-4:00pm. to let us know if your child/children will be attending, so we have an idea of a number to expect.

Girl's K-2 basketball

GIRLS K-2 BASKETBALL PROGRAM

WHO: Girls ages K-2

WHEN: TBD - dates will be determined in March

TIME: 6:00-6:45pm

WHERE: TBD

FEE: $30.00/participant (Min for class = 7; Max. for class = 20)

The Little Ladies Basketball skills camp is for girls in grades pre-k to grade 2. The Little Ladies Basketball skills camp is intended to teach the basic fundamentals of the game of basketball. Participants will learn how to dribble, pass, catch, shoot, and move while playing both offense and defense. Participants will also gain general knowledge including game rules.

Create a beautiful little fairy garden with this adorable flower pot! Materials will include planter, paints, soil, live plants, houses, fencing and one fairy figurine, everything needed to get your garden started! Children can add other flowers, plants or figurines if they want, too!

The Town of Van Buren’s Recreation Department will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt at Van Buren Central Park on Saturday, April 13 at 10:30am. sharp. We can only take a limited amount of children so please register early. There will be hunting for wrapped candy and plastic eggs, some of which may be redeemed for prizes. The eggs will be hidden around the park and it may be wet, so please dress appropriately! The Easter Bunny will be available before and after the hunt so bring your camera.

TO REGISTER: Please call the Parks and Recreation office at
315-638-4727 by Monday, April 15 so we have enough eggs for the children. This year we will not accept drop-ins the day of the event

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

WHO: For anyone 5 and older (max of 35 children)WHEN: Saturday, April 13TIME: 8:00pmWHERE: Van Buren Park, Pavilion BFEE: $5.00/child
** must be pre-registered/no registration will be taken the day of the event

Bring your flashlight to find eggs filled with candy and prizes at Van Buren Park in this fun hunt! When the park gets dark your flashlight will be your guide to candy and other prizes! Please make sure to bring a bag or basket for the hunt and then stay for cookie decorating at pavilion B. Shine your light bright to find the special golden eggs that your can redeem for
special prizes! Please meet us at pavilion B to check in about 20
minutes prior to the hunt.

** Children 5-8 years of age may be accompanied by only one adult.

February Break Crafts

Tuesday, February, 19 : MAKE YOUR OWN PIGGY BANK

WHO: Kids 4 and older

TIME: 9:30am-10:00am

WHERE: Van Buren Park Lodge

FEE: $6.00/participant

(Min. for class= 3; Max. # in class = 8)

Have fun and paint your own ceramic 4" bank with top coin slot and rubber stopper on the bottom. Participants will be able to choose from an elephant, a fish, a pig or a turtle.

Participants will create four - 4” mosaic tiles using air –drying indoor cement. While we are waiting for the coasters to set, we will make a mosaic tile picture frame. Kids will enjoy painting these wooden frames with non-toxic metallic paint and arranging colorful polished porcelain tiles as accents.

Friday, February 22: Ceramic Trinket Box

WHO: Kids 5 and older

TIME: 10:00pm-10:30am

WHERE: Van Buren Park Lodge

FEE: $7.00/participant

(Min. for class= 3; Max. # in class = 5)

A sweet box for special treasures! Features embossed heart design on lid.

Participants can use markers or paints to decorate.

Friday, February 22: Ceramic Sun

WHO: Kids 8 and older

TIME: 11:00pm-11:40am

WHERE: Van Buren Park Lodge

FEE: $9.00/participant

(Min. for class= 3; Max. # in class = 5)

Paint a colorful, creative design on this Ceramic Bisque Aztec Sun Plaque. The raised design makes painting details easy! Can be displayed indoors and if sealed, also makes a perfect outdoor decoration.

The Town of Van Buren Parks and Recreation Department offers recreation programs for all ages! These change seasonally; all are listed in the Parks and Recreation Department program brochures. These are published 3 times per year (December, April and September) and distributed to schools in the Baldwinsville School District (now done electronically – email blasted through the school district), the banks in the Baldwinsville area, the Baldwinsville Public Library, and the Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce. They can also be found at the Van Buren Town Hall, and at the Parks and Recreation Office.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR PROGRAMS
Please do not wait to register for a program! There is a point – usually 5 business days prior to start date – when we need to make a decision whether to cancel a program due to lack of participation. Invariably, we get many telephone inquiries on a program after we’ve cancelled it!

Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and are accepted:

Until the business day prior to the program start date,

By a specified registration deadline (will be listed with the program, if applicable), OR

Until the program fills to capacity!

Fill out a registration form (one per person). These can either be downloaded from this website, or found in the Recreation Departments program brochures. Mail the form(s) with payment to the Parks and Recreation Department, or stop by during office hours (8:30am.-4:00pm., Monday-Friday).

Payment is accepted in the form of cash or check only – we do not accept credit cards! Please do not send cash through the mail. Completed registration form and payment must be received by this office prior to participation in a program.

** Due to budgetary and time constraints, you will NOT be sent a confirmation of your registration, OR be contacted by telephone! You will ONLY be contacted if we are unable to fit you into the program requested, or in the event of a program cancellation. So, if you do not hear from us, simply report to the program the first day it meets. You are certainly welcome to contact this office to check on any registrations.

SUGGESTIONS
Most of the activities listed in our brochure are the result of interest on the part of an individual or group of people. If you would like our department to expand on any existing programs or create new ones, we would welcome your suggestions! Either mail or email your ideas, call us, or visit the Parks & Recreation office during business hours. We’d love to hear from you!